Author(s): Ongayi Wadesango
This literature review explores the conflicts in stakeholder roles and the challenges of creating shared value in the South African context. It highlights how mismatched expectations and historical power dynamics among government, companies, NGOs, and communities impede effective collaboration. While shared value is intended to integrate economic, social, and environmental goals, the existing adversarial relationships, particularly between civil society organisations and JSE-listed companies, limit its implementation. The review identifies that current regulatory framework, though designed to redress apartheid-era inequalities, may unintentionally hinder innovation and cooperation. Scholars agree that collaboration is critical, yet there is limited consensus on how to resolve conflicting stakeholder roles, goals, and interests. A shift towards norms-based frameworks and innovative, inclusive strategies is proposed as essential for sustainable shared value creation. The South African experience illustrates the urgent need for practical tools to guide stakeholder engagement, measure value creation, and redefine power relations. This study supports the development of an integrated shared value creation model, emphasising ethical collaboration and long-term impact.